Starting school is a big step for children and parents alike. In England, most children begin Reception in the September after their fourth birthday. This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare and what to do if your child was born in the summer and you wonder whether they are ready.
When do children start school?
Compulsory school age begins on 31 August, 31 December or 31 March following a child's fifth birthday, whichever comes first. In practice most children start in the September after they turn four, when they join the Reception class. The application deadline for most areas is in mid-January, and offers come in April. Read the dates in school admissions in England, and learn how places are allocated in how admissions criteria work.
What happens in Reception?
Reception is the last year of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children learn through play, exploring, talking and structured activities. Key areas include communication and language, physical development, personal and social development, literacy, maths, understanding the world and creative expression. Phonics teaching usually begins early, as described in learning to read in England.
Many schools offer settling-in sessions in the summer term and may stagger the first weeks, with half days, so that children adjust gradually.
Getting ready
You do not need to teach your child to read or write before school. The most valuable preparation is simple:
- Independence: getting dressed, using the toilet, washing hands, eating with cutlery and looking after belongings;
- Language: talking, listening and sharing books every day;
- Social skills: taking turns, asking for help and managing feelings;
- Routines: a regular bedtime and morning, practised before term begins;
- Familiarity: visiting the school, meeting the teacher and walking the route.
Label uniform and belongings clearly, and keep goodbyes short and cheerful.
Summer-born children
Children born between 1 April and 31 August are the youngest in their year and may not turn five until after they would start Reception. Parents can request that their child starts Reception a year later, at compulsory school age, so they would join Reception rather than Year 1. The school's admission authority considers each request and must make a decision based on the circumstances. Many councils have a specific process and timeline.
If you are thinking about this:
- Ask early, ideally before the main application deadline.
- Talk to the school and the local authority about their process.
- Think about your child's needs and what you believe is best for them.
- Check how the later start would work, including which year group your child would join.
Choosing the school
Visit if you can and notice how children and staff interact. Our guide to school visits lists the questions worth asking. If you are still choosing a nursery, see how to choose a nursery.
After the first few weeks
Expect tiredness. Reception is a big change, and many children are exhausted by the end of the day. Keep evenings calm, allow downtime and keep talking to the teacher about how things are going.
How we can help
If you want advice on choosing a school or planning timings, our consultants can help with school and nursery placement, and our primary tutors can support reading and early maths when your child is ready.
